Day 11

We are quite happy that the storm (hurricane Sandy)didn't wreak more havoc in our area than a mere 6 1/2 hour power outage, which we mostly slept through.
Lis' last day on steroids was Sunday, and it does seem like her headaches have been a bit worse since then but, what seems to bother her most is what she refers to as "the oddness" over most of the right side of her face, the visible signs of the surgery are all either stable or slowly decreasing, while her activity level continues to increase, as far as frequency, we are being very careful about the range of activity. All in all things continue to go extremely well, much better than expected.
Here's a photo from day 2 with the dreaded compression wrap.

So we're settling in, and still figuring it out, I'm still tending to want to do everything for her but, I don't think this is going to be a successful strategy for much longer, she is starting to want to do some of the food preparation, I may just have to relent on that a bit.
Oh and it seems the surgical team is impressed with how well things are going, Dr. Al Meftie has requested a picture of Lis for a presentation he is doing. We happily sent him one, that man is an incredible surgeon.

Onward...

ICU Video Day 2

I captured this video with the laptops built in camera, if I recall correctly this is about sometime between noon and two o'clock on Saturday, the day after surgery, about 12 hours to 14 hours after Lis arrived in ICU. I finally figured out why it wouldn't post here.

Day 8 Circadian Conudrums

Does anyone really know what time it is?
Lisa certainly did not for at least the first 5 post-op days. She was consistently off by half a day, and sincerely, completely, mystified when I'd tell her it was daytime, and she thought it was night, or visa versa. The persistence, and strength of this delusion began to worry me after a few days but, then I realized her internal clock was off by half a day, the same amount of time she was under deep anesthesia, that's pretty interesting(well to me at least).
I'm not sure if this has anything to do with her inability to sleep the last two nights, as the amount of time in any given day that she sleeps has gone down, I thought, perhaps, her circadian clock was just out of whack but, when she gave up on sleep last night and came down stairs, she spent a little time on the internet, then went into the living room and laid on the couch. She slept well for a few hours, until I think the noise of Joey, the dogs, and I, probably woke her up. We're going to try the couch from the gate tonight, and see if that works better. I have a suspicion that it will because I think, it has more to do with the more comfortable, and higher angle, the extra support of the couch arm allows, than extra pillows on a flat bed.
The, in my opinion, radical Decadron (steroidal anti-inflammatory) taper is on, from 30 mg to 24mg, to 6mg, to 2mg, per day, in four days.  The fact that is a non-linear taper bugs me a bit, but then I am completely ignorant of the physiology/chemistry involved, and it seems to be standardized to the point they had a ready form to follow they gave me.
The more time goes by, and the more I read of other people's experiences, the more I think we have been incredibly fortunate thus far, and it seems the largest contributing factor to this, is that Dr. Al Meftie is a phenomenally talented and gifted surgeon.

Onward...

Day 7, Figuring it Out

First full day at home, going to restart the mail, and pick up the last week's from the post office, then to the kennel to get the dogs. That should be interesting, so to will be managing them at the house. Calley, the white collie, will be fine, she is the mellowest, most gentle dog I have ever known. Alba, the smooth, sable and white is just over a year, and still pretty rambunctious, she can sometimes get into a room to room grand prix with Doughall the tri, male. We do have an "x" gate on the living room but I know Doughall is perfectly capable of jumping it. Not really worried about this, just something tp be sure to have thought out ahead of time.
Meals are the next thing on my personal checklist, many people have said they will be bringing food while Lis recovers but, I figure, I need to be prepared if on any given day no one does. I figure I'll start a crock pot meal in the morning, on each of the next 4 or 5 mornings, then if it's not needed freeze it, so we have a back up supply. Lunches are kind of a mystery to me at the moment, any suggestions for these would be appreciated. I'm thinking soup and sandwiches are pretty much a lunch time standard but, I also want to make meals interesting, and enjoyable, as Lis is not going to be doing much else for a while. Breakfasts are no problem, I got that, omelets, scrambled eggs, toast, will help with the "protein rich" diet Dr. Al Meftie emphasized.
The Decadron (anti-inflammatory steroid) taper starts today with the last dosage 2 days away. Lisa's activity level since getting home has been surprisingly high, she sat up at the computer for 2 hours last night, and has been over there catching up on stuff for the last 3 hours today, so far it doesn't seem excessive, but I'll be keeping a close eye on her.
Lisa is currently doing extremely well both physically, and psychologically, it was a rough moment last night when she got her first good look in mirror without bandages on but, like I told her before, I have never seen anyone make looking like hell, look so stunningly wonderful.

Onward...

We're Home !

yipeee were home ! I look like Egor now but were home !! ! I'm so happy. They said that I don't have to go back for 3 months and then when I do go back, I'll have another MRI and then possible another surgery on the other side or radiation. He said the surgery went well and my eye nerves look like they are doing well. Hurray !! I'm of course hoping for no more surgery and would rather just radiation but I'll do what it takes to live a full life with those that love me. Thanks for all that cared, it was well felt all the way to Boston !!! Lisa & Kevin ♥ (the best caregiver ever !)

Day 6 GOING HOME!!!

Just got back from the hospital, and we are cleared to depart the fix on the outbound leg. We are going home!! Doctor is going to call us about when he wants to see her again. The one bit of sobering news, pretty upsetting to Lis in the moment, was the possibility of more surgery in 3-6 months but, that is unknown and not to be determined for 3-6 months.
We are coming home a bit early and they emphasized absolutely no strain, and to be sure to eat a very high protein diet, Lis must take great care as the wound is still fragile.
So farewell Boston, hospital and hotel rooms, we are outa here. Next post from NH.

Onward...

One Eyed Lisa Here !

If only I had a photo for you all lol I tried many times but gave up. Kevin Is taking great care of me, I couldn't ask for a better care giver ! I'm doing well, slow walking and slowly getting my eye sight back. Kevin cracks the whip to keep me walking so no clots will form and then worries he's being mean. :-) Have I said lately How much I love this guy ? He's the best and has a great family tooo. Leo called to see how I was and I've chatted with my son and family. We hope to get out of Dodge tomorrow so we can loose some of these bills. I think we've spent 800.00 on hotels already, eekkke ! Anyway, I'll call soon when I get home with my lovely man. thanks everyone for all the help, I couldn't haven't done it without everyone. thanks, Lisa